It has been a year since Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, eventually weakening to a tropical storm, but bringing wind damage and unprecedented levels of flooding across swathes of the southeastern U.S., including parts of the Southern and Central Appalachian Mountain region, making it even more vital to invest in Appalachia's future and long-term recovery. Mountain flooding can bring particular danger and devastation, and in Western North Carolina, that devastation included the tragic deaths of 108 people and the destruction of homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Even as we celebrate the many incredible strides in recovery we have witnessed since September 2024, many survivors continue to grapple with grief and trauma on a daily basis as recovery from catastrophic events often takes years.

In January, CDP announced the launch of the Truist Foundation Western North Carolina Recovery and Resiliency Fund, a partnership with Truist Foundation that is part of a $725 million commitment from Truist and Truist Foundation called Truist Cares for Western North Carolina. Through the fund, we’re addressing medium- and long-term needs to help strengthen the region’s housing and small businesses. Our grantmaking is guided by our assessment of damages, systemic marginalization, community capacity and unmet needs to support the area’s equitable recovery. In June, we announced $3.3 million in grants to four organizations actively leading recovery efforts.

Now, we’re pleased to announce a second round of grants from the Truist Foundation WNC Recovery and Resiliency Fund totaling just under $6.8 million. Learn about our grantee partners investing in Appalachia's future:

  • Appalachian Community Capital Development Foundation was awarded $1 million to advance small business recovery and resilience in Western North Carolina through connection to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) as well as direct small business grant opportunities. Funds will also support technical assistance and organizational infrastructure development to sustain operations and strengthen planning around future disasters.
  • Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Commission Inc. Foundation received $250,000 for long-term economic recovery and small business resilience in Ashe, Avery and Watauga Counties. The funding will support direct subgrants and recovery trainings for small businesses.
  • Carolina Farm Stewardship Association received $200,000 to support independent farmers through their Western North Carolina Food System Recovery and Resilience Initiative. Funding will support small business grant opportunities, technical assistance, and tools and resources for farms impacted by Helene.

Read the full article about investing in Appalachia's future by Laura Grantham at Center for Disaster Philanthropy.